Veterans Cemetery Grants

Cemeteries funded under the grant program must conform to the standards and guidelines pertaining to site selection, planning and construction prescribed by VA.

Cemeteries must comply with Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) requirements in Title IX, Sections 70901 – 70952, Public Law, 117-58 (accessible using this link: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-117publ58/pdf/PLAW-117publ58.pdf) that ensure all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials are produced in the United States. Cemeteries must certify that they will use grant funds for projects that meet BABAA domestic content procurement preferences. All iron, steel, and construction materials used in VA-funded projects must be produced or manufactured in the U.S., and all manufactured products used in the project must be produced in the U.S. (cost of the components of the U.S. manufactured product must be greater than 55% of the total cost of all components).

Cemeteries must be operated solely for the interment of Veterans (as defined in 38 CFR part 39.2), and their eligible family members (see 38 CFR part 39.10). Additionally, due to a recent change in the law, a grantee cemetery may also inter the individuals defined in 38 U.S.C. 2408(i)(2), who are ineligible for burial in a VA National Cemetery. More information about this new authority can be found on the NCA Notices webpage, accessible using this link: https://www.cem.va.gov/policies/notices.asp

The administration, operation, and maintenance of a VA-supported state cemetery is solely the responsibility of the state, territory, or tribal government.

VA is authorized to reimburse states "plot allowance" of up to $828.00 for expenses incurred in the burial of certain eligible Veterans.